The Pickwick Papers

5/5/19541h 49m

Theatrical Release (US)

~ Triumphantly brought to the screen for the first time! Another Dickens treasure springs to life in the rich traditions of ~

Overview:

The Pickwick Club sends Mr. Pickwick and a group of friends to travel across England and to report back on the interesting things they find...

Director:

Noel Langley

Status:

Released

Language:

English

Buget:

$0.00

Revenue:

$0.00

Key words:

based on novel or book

Cast

James Hayter

~ as ~

Samuel Pickwick

James Donald

~ as ~

Nathaniel Winkle

Nigel Patrick

~ as ~

Mr. Jingle

Joyce Grenfell

~ as ~

Mrs. Leo Hunter

Hermione Gingold

~ as ~

Miss Tompkins

Hermione Baddeley

~ as ~

Mrs. Bardell

Donald Wolfit

~ as ~

Sergeant Buzfuz

Harry Fowler

~ as ~

Sam Weller

Kathleen Harrison

~ as ~

Rachel Wardle

Alexander Gauge

~ as ~

Tracy Tupman

View full cast & crew

Reviews (1)

CinemaSerf
Written 11 month(s) ago
7
James Hayter is at his theatrical best in this comedy that sees a group of well-meaning men travel the length and breadth of the kingdom trying to report for their "Pickwick Club" many of the interesting things that cross their path. They are led by the eponymous "Samuel" (Hayter) who's an avuncular and kind-spirited man, but are frequently foiled by the rakish "Jingle" (Nigel Patrick) who's unscrupulousness always seems to manage to get the others into trouble. That's not to say that "Pickwick" isn't capable of getting himself into some hot water from time to time either, as his innate decency borders gullibility and that sees him fall foul, ultimately, of the ghastly lawyers "Fogg" (Alan Wheatley) & "Dodson" (D. A. Clarke-Smith). The story hits the ground running and this adaptation barely pauses for breath as a cast of familiar faces from British cinema and stage all contribute a series of cameos to support the rumbustious collection of scenarios encountered, or more likely caused, by this troupe of travellers. There are James Donald's entertaining "Mr. Winkle", Kathleen Harrison's superbly giggly "Mrs. Wardle", Hermione Gingold's "Mrs. Bardell" and a brief scene from Joyce Grenfell to help keep the smiles coming too. Of course, there had to be some sacrifices made from the book but they don't impact terribly on the energetic and enjoyable impetus of this characterful study of human nature, pomposity and sheer stupidity whilst gently reminding us of the iniquities of Victorian Britain and it's unforgiving attitude to those less fortunate. Charles Dickens was fond of a courtroom scenario, and by drafting in an on-form Donald Wolfit to deliver a rousing monologue that could send "Pickwick" to clink, we head to a denouement that's fittingly good natured and generous. Those of us who remember Arthur Lowe's marvellous "Capt. Mainwaring" from the BBCs "Dad's Army" series can probably recognise Hayter as the inspiration for that character here and for all but the harshest purists of this author, this film is great fun to watch.